Google pulls a fast one on Roku by putting YouTube TV in the YouTube app

YouTube TV will be accessible through the YouTube app on Roku.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out an update for Roku devices that will make YouTube TV accessible from the YouTube app.
• The move acts as a workaround to Roku removing the YouTube TV app from its channel store.
• The two companies are reportedly still negotiating the terms of YouTube TV on Roku devices.

Google has just introduced a new update to the YouTube app on the best Roku devices that will make YouTube TV accessible from within the app. The new option to “Go to YouTube TV” will be available on the left sidebar of the main YouTube app.

The move comes after Roku removed the YouTube TV app from its Channel Store after negotiations with Google apparently broke down over the terms of the app. Google reportedly asked Roku to provide a dedicated row for YouTube search results, and Roku has accused Google of “unfair and anti-competitive requirements to manipulate your search results.”

In a blog post about the new feature, Google states that the companies are still in ongoing negotiations over access to YouTube TV. Anyone with the app already on their devices will continue to have access to the service, but anyone else will have to go through the YouTube app.

Google also states that it’s trying to make sure Roku devices meet its “technical requirements” to “ensure a consistent and high-quality YouTube experience.” That largely refers to AV1, a codec the company has been pushing for more streaming devices to support.

A Roku spokesperson gave the following statement to Android Central regarding the move to bundle YouTube TV in the YouTube app:

Google’s actions are the clear conduct of an unchecked monopolist bent on crushing fair competition and harming consumer choice. The bundling announcement by YouTube highlights the kind of predatory business practices used by Google that Congress, Attorney Generals and regulatory bodies around the world are investigating.

Roku has not asked for one additional dollar in financial value from YouTubeTV. We have simply asked Google to stop their anticompetitive behavior of manipulating user search results to their unique financial benefit and to stop demanding access to sensitive data that no other partner on our platform receives today.

In response, Google has continued its practice of blatantly leveraging its YouTube monopoly to force an independent company into an agreement that is both bad for consumers and bad for fair competition.

Google has previously denied requesting access to customer data and insists that it only seeks to renew terms that have been in place for years. The company also states that if worse comes to worst regarding its negotiations with Roku, it is working with its partners on the possibility of providing free streaming devices. Roku’s statement suggests that it’s quite probable that talks could break down further between the two companies.

As far as the new workaround, Google states (via The Verge) that customers cannot use it to sign up for new YouTube TV subscriptions, as it’s only for viewing content. The new feature will come only to Roku devices “over the next few days” since YouTube TV is still available on other devices like Chromecast with Google TV. The feature may expand to other devices over time.

The perfect place for YouTube TV

Chromecast with Google TV

$50 at Best Buy

One of the best streaming devices

Chromecast with Google TV puts the power of Google on your television. Its UI makes it easy to access content or find new things to watch, and Google Assistant makes jumping into your favorite shows or movies effortless. Best of all, YouTube TV subscribers can access the app in all its glory.